Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Chutes Swaggin
Chutes Swaggin are a series of cascades and a larger waterfall on the Swaggin River near Saint-Côme in Lanaudière, Quebec. They are on the Swaggin trail, part of the Sentier national en Matawinie maintained by the Matawinie regional parks organization, inside ZEC Lavigne. The main falls are at the end of a short marked side path off the trail, west of the rue Simon-Lussier trailhead.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Chutes Swaggin flows over hard crystalline rock, primarily gneiss, laid down over 1.0-1.6 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the rue Simon-Lussier lot, pass the Swaggin refuge and follow the Swaggin trail west along the Swaggin River. Small cascades come first; the main falls are at the end of a short side path marked in blue and white. The full Swaggin trail is 7.4 km with 300 m of elevation change and is rated intermediate, with roots and muddy sections.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chutes Swaggin?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Sentier national en Matawinie but not inside the refuges.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chutes Swaggin?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (high flows and fuller cascades) and fall (autumn colors) are often the most scenic. Summer can be pleasant but flows may be reduced. Winter can offer ice/snow scenery but may be hazardous without proper gear.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Rocks and roots near the cascades are slippery, and spring runoff makes the river fast and cold. Stay back from the edge, keep off wet rock above the drops, and expect limited cell service.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge NOIRE (RIVIERE) A SAINTE EMELIE DE L'ENERGIE (15 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Joliette hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Montréal, take Autoroute 25 north, then routes 125, 337, 343 and 347 north to Saint-Côme. Take chemin de la Ferme to rue Simon-Lussier and the Swaggin parking lot (46.317514, -73.836032). The trail's west end is on chemin du Lac Clair.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The rue Simon-Lussier lot charges $10 per vehicle per day and is snow-cleared in winter. The Swaggin refuge, the Swaggin campground and a footbridge over the L'Assomption River are next to the lot.
Elevation
289 metres above sea level
Coordinates
46.318944° N, -73.843311° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Pay for parking at the Simon-Lussier lot. The trail lies within ZEC Lavigne, where hunting, fishing or driving into the ZEC requires registration at its welcome post. Check the Matawinie regional parks site for trail notices before going.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Camping Swaggin
0.5 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Boule trail crosses the L'Assomption River on the footbridge by the parking lot and leads to the Bouleau rapids. From the chemin du Lac Clair end, a trail climbs to the summit of Mont Tranchant.
Wildlife
Typical regional wildlife may include songbirds, small mammals (squirrels, hares), white-tailed deer, beaver and various fish species. Black flies and mosquitoes are common in spring/early summer. Black bears can exist in parts of Quebec; exercise normal wildlife precautions.
Cities near Chutes Swaggin
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